---
What Happened Next…
"Doctor… how is this even possible? How can a disease I've suffered from for years… suddenly disappear?"
The doctor looks at him, puzzled.
"Raghav, what are you saying?"
Raghav stands up, visibly anxious.
"Doctor… I don’t even know how to put this. I… I’m not impotent anymore."
The doctor smiles lightly, finding Raghav’s tension amusing.
"Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it? Why are you so distressed over something positive? Listen, don’t stress too much. Your condition was due to psychological pressure — stress and anger can cause erectile dysfunction. And even now, you’re worked up. Just take a deep breath, calm your mind—"
But Raghav interrupts him.
"No, Doctor! You don’t understand. Last night… I lasted for over an hour in bed. Without any pills or assistance. But… but—"
"But what, Raghav?"
The doctor asks curiously.
Raghav lowers his eyes, voice trembling.
"It wasn’t a woman… it was a man."
The doctor blinks in surprise, then slowly smiles.
"So? What’s the problem? You should be happy your body is healing. And if this change happened when you were with him, then maybe you should try being with him again. Perhaps that’s where all your answers lie."
Raghav listens silently. The doctor’s words make sense… but his mind is still lost in that boy’s scent, that touch… that night.
---
Meanwhile…
Ayush reaches home early in the morning. Quietly, he enters the house and tries to sneak into his room — but just then, a voice calls from behind.
"Beta… did you bring the money?"
Ayush pauses, turns slowly, sees his mother, but says nothing. He walks away silently to his room, locks the door behind him, and heads straight for the bathroom.
He rips off his clothes and stands under the shower, furiously scrubbing himself. Looking into the mirror, he mutters,
"What have you done, Ayush? With a man? God… how could you? It’s disgusting. I need to clean every inch of my body. I can’t stand even a hint of his scent on me anymore."
As he continues scrubbing, his eyes fall on his wrists — covered in bruises from Raghav’s fingers. His neck, his chest, his back… all covered in bite marks and love bruises. Seeing them, Ayush shudders.
In a burst of anger, he tries to kick over the water bucket — but a sharp pain shoots through his lower back. He gasps and collapses to the floor, groaning.
The pain is unbearable. But he grits his teeth, wipes his tears, stands up again, and tells himself,
"No, I won’t react. I have to stay strong."
He puts on a fake smile, dresses, and walks out of the room.
---
He sees his mother sitting before the temple, praying.
Ayush walks over, bows down, touches her feet, and softly says,
"Ma… I haven’t arranged the money yet. But I promise I’ll find a way."
His mother opens the small pouch by her side, takes out some jewelry, and places it in his hands.
"These are my few remaining ornaments. Sell them in the market — we’ll get something. If we don’t pay rent this month, we’ll lose the house. And your father’s surgery… the hospital needs four lakhs. Where else will you get that kind of money, beta? Sell these. I’ll take up more house work — I’ve already learned some new skills."
Ayush immediately pushes the jewelry back into her hands.
"No, Ma! These are your symbols of marriage… I can’t sell them. Don’t worry — I’ll figure something out."
Saying that, he walks away and calls Prince and Adheer.
---
📞 "Hello friends… Adheer, I’ll be late to the office today. Listen, I really need some money. You know my dad’s in the hospital… and I need to pay the rent too. Can you help?"
Prince and Adheer sound helpless.
"Bro… we’re really sorry. We don’t have that kind of money right now. But… we do have a suggestion. Why don’t you apply for a loan from the office? If you talk to the CEO, he’ll surely approve it. You can repay it from your salary in installments. Once your dad is better, work overtime and pay it back. Don’t worry — we’ll chip in too from our salaries to help."
Ayush feels a flicker of hope.
"Thanks, guys. I’ll talk to Sir at the office."
---
Elsewhere…
Sunny walks into Raghav’s office with a file.
"Sir, we found out. The boy’s name is Ayush. And… he works in our company."
Raghav raises an eyebrow.
"He’s one of ours? And we didn’t even know?"
Sunny nods.
"Yes sir. He has a younger brother, a sister, and parents. His father’s in the hospital. His mother works in households."
Raghav stays silent for a moment, deep in thought.
Then, coldly:
"Make him my personal secretary."
Sunny hesitates.
"But sir—"
Raghav glares at him.
"Do exactly what I said."
Sunny nods quickly and leaves.
---
Ayush walks into the office. As soon as he enters, everyone looks at him in surprise. News spreads like wildfire.
"Ayush, congratulations! You’ve been appointed the CEO’s personal secretary!"
Ayush is stunned.
He looks up, murmurs a small prayer,
"Thank you, God… You’ve answered my prayers."
Prince and Adheer come running to him.
"Bro! You must have gotten the email, right? The whole office is talking about you! What did the boss see in you that made him appoint you personally? It’s barely been four months!"
Ayush smiles humbly.
"Maybe he noticed my abilities…"
Adheer laughs.
"Well, you're smart as hell — no surprise there."
Just then, a staff member approaches.
"Sir, the CEO is calling you to his office."
Ayush nods.
"Okay, I’m coming."
He stops the man.
"Raman Kaka, I’ve told you so many times — don’t call me sir. I’m your son’s age. Please, just call me by my name."
The man smiles warmly.
"Forgive me, Ayush baba. It’s just a habit… but from now on, I’ll call you Ayush only."
---
Ayush walks to the CEO's cabin, his heart pounding.
He knocks gently.
"May I come in, sir?"
From inside, a familiar voice responds…
"Come in, Ayush."
The voice makes Ayush freeze.
That voice…
It was the same voice from that night.
---
To be continued…
---
What will happen when Ayush realizes that the man from that night… is none other than his own boss?